LOVE SPEAKS LOVE

 LOVE SPEAKS LOVE

Throughout this past month, I have read Facebook responses to the change of administration in our country. Whether they were for or against Biden or Trump, there were unkind words, defensive comments, and slurs made about each person. Mercy and grace given to us was often set aside to declare political and personal positions about the two individuals. I admit my own thoughtless guilt in this matter – whether spoken aloud or to myself. Though I may disagree with either person, my call is to show love for them both by word and deed.

Reviewing others and my own attitudes, the Holy Spirit convicted me of careless words in opposition to my call to love others as myself or as I would want to be loved. There was even the question of trusting God as King of the universe believing He can cause ALL THINGS (or people) to work out for our good. These were humbling conversations between He and I.

Bottom line: followers of Christ are called to love as Christ loved His Father, God. He taught on love in the gospels beginning with Matthew in the beatitudes. Instructions were to love our neighbor and our enemies and pray for them. James 1 tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger in order to produce uprightness. We are to be doers of God’s Word and not just hearers so that we don’t show ourselves to be frauds. This means my words and actions defend or defy the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation in me.

Proverbs 3:3-6 (AMP) reminds me: “Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them[securely]around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴ So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man .⁵ Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. ⁶ In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

by Joy Pedersen

Time with Purpose

Time With Purpose 

The history of Queen Esther is recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. She was born a simple Jewish girl, faithful to God and family. Her parents died while she was still young so her cousin, Mordecai, adopted her and raised her as his daughter.

During that time in history, the Jews had been exiled from Jerusalem. They found themselves integrated into a community under the reign of King Xerxes in the area of Susa. It happened that Mordecai reported an assassination plot against the king and so earned favor with Xerxes.

It was also around then that the king unseated his wife and queen for embarrassing him. So he looked for a new queen. Searching for a beautiful replacement, several women in the area were chosen to ‘apply’ for the job.  Enter Esther! After meeting the requirements and being accepted by the king (short version), her influence saved the Jews from being destroyed by an evil man and his plot.

Esther 4:14 reveals Mordecai’s encouragement to deal with an evil plot. It gave purpose and incentive for her placement and role as queen. If she chose not to intervene, there would be devastating consequences, and all Jews would be murdered.

If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this. Esther 4:14 (Voice)

I wonder if she might have had the message Joshua received from the Lord ringing in her heart and mind!

Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9  (AMP)

As we enter the new year of 2024, where do you find yourself in life? Tjoshua’s promise is true for us as well - the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Have you been separated from family or friends, lost loved ones, are ill, or moved by unexpected circumstances to a new and uncomfortable home or job? Do you sense God’s purpose for your role and position? The challenge in each of our lives demands courage and faithfulness to what God has given to us or allowed for us. Perhaps you have been made _____ for such a time as this.

By Joy Pedersen

BOOK RELEASE: Loving With All Our Soul

 

Joy Pedersen's newest book release is available now! 
Loving With All Our Soul

Loving With All Our Soul

What is the soul, and what does it involve? Understanding how the soul fits into our spiritual makeup is important so we can love God with all of it. Enticements and choices made are often confusing and detrimental to maturity. It is important to look at the soul infected, influenced, inspired, and infiltrated. Are you hoping to increase your relationship with God and others? Committed time of introspection through these pages will help you examine your love life, wean out the things that hold you back, and lean into the One who loves you most.

Order through https://clearhope.org/

Brief Biography: Joy Pedersen founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ.